Volume 6 Chapter 68 Egawa-San's Eldest Son
After a long journey, we were back home for a quick greeting, and today was a day for dispersal. We decided to talk more later, so we were heading to the castle exit early.
"Gotta be grateful, y'know? We couldn't exactly talk about the 'real deal' there, could we? It helps to have a do-over."
"That old man, though. He already knows what we're thinking, don't you think?"
Grumbling as we turned back on the path leading deeper in, Rouza said something interesting.
"Shogun-sama might put on a nice face, but he's got a cunning 'tanuki' in that big belly of his. He told us on the boat, don't let him fool you."
──I remember what Rouza said during our boat trip.
We were about to jump right into the Sanmoto family mess. I needed to get a grip on the Egawa family's character. I'd been told about Shogun's stories in brief.
And of course, I needed to know about the two brothers above Rouza.
'Ranga-aniue is a martial genius, born for the battlefield. In the Warring States period, he would've definitely made a name for himself. He's the kind of guy you'd never want to face one-on-one, especially if you're unarmed.'
If he'd been born in a time of war, he would've carved his name into history for sure. He's so talented that he's put in charge of the military for Egawa──and even Sanmoto.
'Shinza-aniue, though, may not know martial arts, but he's a master strategist. He might look like a gentle man when he smiles, but if you let your guard down with that polite demeanor, you'll regret it.'
His sharp mind has earned him a place as the Shogun's direct assistant in politics. He may look calm, but he's known for his tough moves in the political arena.
Of course, the two brothers each have their own factions. Ranga mainly has the military Bushi on his side. Shinza has more of the civil Bushi backing him. It's a clear setup. They may not openly clash in politics, but it's an open secret that they're fiercely competing under the surface.
Then there's our Rouza, who's got the support of the lowly Bushi and castle workers – the common folk, you could say.
Rouza might have the most fans, but they're mostly regular commoners without rank. Some Bushi, like Komari, are in the Rouza camp too, but they're far outnumbered by the Ranga and Shinza factions.
But Rouza is the heir to the 'Touga,' a treasure passed down in the shogun family. He's the only one in the current Egawashogun family who can handle it. That's why Souga Shogun named him the next shogun.
Of course, the brothers can't be happy about this. They were fighting each other for power, and then suddenly their half-brother jumps ahead.
Even if Rouza has the Touga and the skills, there's bound to be a backlash. Plus, after so much peace in Sanmoto, who knows if the 'Touga' is even needed anymore.
Still, the fact that Souga Shogun picked Rouza means something.
──But let's get back to the present.
"I know pushing me for shogun has caused a stir in Kogo Castle, but it was my old man who decided I'm next in line."
"Shogun-sama has always held Rouza-sama in high regard. His martial prowess and wisdom are unmatched, even by his elder brothers. And I, Komari, share the same view."
"My old man and Komari, both picking me out of nowhere. It's a real headache."
Rouza took the praise with a mix of trust and doubt, but Komari just flashed a sly smile and kept going.
"Now, the position of shogun, which you used to hate, is being offered to you upfront. This proves our plans weren't wrong."
"...Just hope your eyes weren't clouded, that's all."
Rouza answered gruffly, clearly embarrassed by the straightforward hope. Mikage and Getsuya both grinned.
"Wait a moment, Rouza."
That deep voice... I'd just heard it.
I turned. It was Ranga, a big guy with the same hair and fur as Rouza. He was followed by Bushi, who seemed to be from his faction. But the size difference made them look like a boss and his underlings.
"Ranga-aniue, what brings you here?"
"Nothing important. I just thought your earlier greeting was a little... bland."
"How thoughtful of you."
Ranga was intimidating. Facing him, I almost straightened up. But Rouza kept his usual laid-back attitude, despite the sharp glares of Ranga's Bushi.
"Things have been quiet in the castle. Now, it's going to get noisy again."
"Aniue, surely you didn't chase after me just to say that..."
"I'm one of the few people in this castle who can scold you to your face. As someone from the shogun family, I must ease everyone's worries."
From their conversation, it seemed like a responsible older brother and a troublemaking younger brother. Rouza didn't seem to dislike Ranga, even though Ranga said some harsh things. Maybe they had a good relationship.
──But Rouza himself said one of his brothers sent assassins. We couldn't let our guard down.
It was a little inconvenient that Gram wasn't on my back. He could have sensed any danger.
'Don't forget about me. I'll freeze anyone who threatens Rouza-sama.'
Touga's reliable telepathy reached me. But I still needed to be careful.
"So, are those the friends you met overseas?"
Ranga, who had been talking to Rouza, turned his eyes toward us.
"You've probably heard from that idiot brother of mine. I'm Ranga. Get to know me."
"Oh, hello. I'm Yukina, your brother's friend."
He offered a hand, surprisingly friendly. Still, he's Rouza's enemy, no matter how he acts. If I refuse him here, it won't help me in Sanmoto. I thought it over, and then shook his hand...
"Ooooooof!?"
──CRACK!
The crushing grip came suddenly. I pushed back, and Ranga's feet made a cracking sound. I put too much strength into it, and the wooden floor broke.
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